PhishGuard
Advanced AI-powered phishing detection technology that protects you from malicious URLs and cyber threats
Scan a URL for Phishing Threats
Enter any suspicious URL to check if it's safe
What is Phishing?
Phishing is a type of social engineering attack often used to steal user data, including login credentials, credit card numbers, and other sensitive information. It occurs when an attacker, masquerading as a trusted entity, dupes a victim into opening an email, instant message, or text message.
The recipient is then tricked into clicking a malicious link, which can lead to the installation of malware, the freezing of the system as part of a ransomware attack, or the revealing of sensitive information.
Phishing attacks have increased by over 350% since the beginning of 2020, with the COVID-19 pandemic being used as a common lure in these attacks.
Phishing Attacks by Year (thousands)
Types of Phishing Attacks
Email Phishing
The most common type of phishing attack
Attackers send emails that appear to come from legitimate sources like banks, social media platforms, or online payment processors. These emails often create a sense of urgency, asking recipients to verify account information, change passwords, or check suspicious activity.
Warning Signs: Misspellings, unusual sender addresses, requests for personal information, suspicious attachments, and urgent language.
Website Spoofing
Fake websites that mimic legitimate ones
Attackers create fake websites that look identical to legitimate ones, such as banking sites or online stores. When users enter their credentials or payment information, this data is captured by the attackers.
Warning Signs: Slight URL differences, missing HTTPS, poor design quality, and unusual payment methods.
Smishing (SMS Phishing)
Phishing attacks via text messages
Similar to email phishing but conducted via SMS text messages. These messages often contain links to malicious websites or request sensitive information. They may appear to come from banks, delivery services, or government agencies.
Warning Signs: Unknown senders, urgent requests, shortened URLs, and requests for personal information.
Spear Phishing
Targeted attacks on specific individuals
Unlike general phishing attempts, spear phishing targets specific individuals or organizations. Attackers research their targets to create highly personalized and convincing messages, often impersonating colleagues, bosses, or trusted entities.
Warning Signs: Unusual requests from familiar contacts, slight variations in email addresses, and requests that bypass normal procedures.
Impact of Phishing Attacks
Primary Impact Areas
Phishing attacks have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the immediate financial losses. Organizations and individuals face multiple layers of damage, from data breaches and identity theft to long-term reputational harm and operational disruptions.
The chart shows the relative distribution of impact types based on reported phishing incidents, with financial loss and data breaches being the most common consequences.
Prevention Tips
Be Vigilant with Emails
Scrutinize sender addresses, check for grammar errors, and be wary of urgent requests. Hover over links before clicking to see the actual URL destination.
Use Strong Authentication
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all accounts when available. Use a password manager to create and store unique, complex passwords for each service.
Keep Software Updated
Regularly update your operating system, browsers, and security software to protect against known vulnerabilities that phishers might exploit.
Verify Requests Directly
If you receive a suspicious request, contact the organization directly using official contact information, not the details provided in the suspicious message.
Stay Informed
Keep up with the latest phishing techniques and scams. Many organizations publish alerts about current phishing campaigns targeting their customers.
Use Security Tools
Employ email filtering, anti-phishing browser extensions, and URL scanning tools like PhishGuard to add layers of protection against phishing attempts.
For Organizations
Regular Training
Conduct ongoing phishing awareness training with simulated phishing exercises to test employee vigilance.
Technical Controls
Implement email filtering, SPF/DKIM/DMARC, and web filtering to block malicious content before it reaches users.
Incident Response
Develop clear procedures for reporting and responding to suspected phishing attempts.